William H. Sadler, 89, of Upton

William H. Sadler, 89, of Upton, passed away at home on December 3, 2015 with loved ones by his side and in his heart. His wife of 52 years, Marjorie (Whitney) Sadler, died in 2006.

Born in Upton, a son of the late H. Stephen and Grace (Weir) Sadler, Bill lived his entire life in the town he loved, where he was known for being an all-around great guy. Bill proudly served his country in the Korean War and was an active member of the Marshall-Leland American Legion Post 173 for 70 years, serving as Commander for more than ten of those years. Known for his work ethic and attendance, he worked for Bay State Abrasives in Westborough for 38 years, retiring in 1989. He worked throughout his retirement at Dick Kelly Farm Stand, sold Christmas trees for many years, and decorated the Town Hall for the holidays.

He was an elected member of the Cemetery Commission for 53 years, quietly assisting families through the funeral process. He was active in many town organizations throughout the years, including Boy Scouts, youth sports, and the Upton Men’s Bowling League, where he received the Bill Cooley Memorial Sportsmanship Award. He was a member and past president of I.A.A.B.O. Board 208, who officiated high school basketball for many years, was known for promoting fair play and making “good calls,” and received an award for Outstanding Achievement and Advancement in Basketball Officiating in 1973. As a member of the United Parish of Upton, he enjoyed working on the Men’s Turkey Supper and manning the grill at church yard sales. He was named District 4 Legionnaire of the Year in 2006, honored for more than 60 years of service in the Massachusetts American Legion, and participated in and organized 70 Memorial Day services, serving as Parade Grand Marshall several times. In 2014, Bill was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Blackstone Valley Heritage Homecoming Committee for years of exemplary service to his hometown, receiving commendations from Governor Patrick and the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate.

Bill is survived by three daughters, Betsy Sadler of Upton, Joan Sadler and Susan Sadler-Wise of Portland, OR and sons-in-law Jules Bertrand of Upton and Thomas Wise, of Portland, OR; grandchildren William Bertrand and his wife, Erin, of Bradford, MA and Tara Bertrand, Christian Sadler, and Kyle and Casey Wise of Portland, OR; great-grandchildren Nora and William Bertrand; his brother, Frederick in PA; sister-in-law Hazel Sadler of Upton; and many nieces, nephews, and friends, including staff at Whitney Place Adult Day Health in Northbridge. He was predeceased by his grandson Thomas Bertrand; brothers Henry, James, and Robert; and sisters Lucy Burnham, Mary French, Grace Smith, Marion (Warren) Flooks, and Waneta Kuczinski.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held Saturday, December 12, at 12 noon, in the Williams-Pedersen Funeral Home, 45 Main St., Upton. Burial with military honors will follow in Lakeview Cemetery.

Calling hours at the funeral home are prior to the service from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. A Celebration of Life Open House at the Upton VFW Post 5594, 15 Milford Street, will be from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. All are welcome, even if unable to attend services.

Comments

Sue, Tom and Casey- We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad (grandfather& father-in-law)..It is never easy
when you loose a parent. We will not be around to pay our respects but our thoughts
and prayers are with you and your family.
Love to all
Joanne and Allan Burndrett